How to Choose a Flattering Swimsuit

A flattering swimsuit makes the most of the proportions of a woman's figure. It's all about a careful mixing of color, print, and the right lines and silhouette.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Swimsuits
• Bikinis
• Sarongs
• Swimming Trunks

1. Use blocks of color to divert attention from wide hips or a belly bulge. Wear one-piece suits with a dark-colored, solid lower half and a lighter-colored or printed bodice.
2. Choose suits with at least 15 percent spandex to minimize flabby areas. If you have wide hips, opt for styles that cut across the hips rather than hanging below them.
3. Enhance a small chest with a lightly padded halter top or a demi cut with an underwire; the demi cut resembles a bra, but it's not a full cup. Also look for suits that offer texture, like ruffles or smocking, and material with a small print'these are guaranteed to deflect attention from your bust.
4. Minimize a full chest with a dark, monochromatic bodice that has a high or square-cut neck. Make sure the suit offers your bust ample support to resist drooping or sagging, and choose a wider-cut bottom to balance your overall look.
5. Elongate a petite frame with a one-piece suit that has thin vertical stripes. Lend short legs length with a suit cut high on the hip.
6. Give a square or boyish figure the appearance of a waist with a one-piece or tankini (a bikini with a top shaped like a tank top) that has a darker color from the crotch to the middle ribs and a lighter color over the chest. Consider a skort'a combination short and skirt'to conceal and divert attention away from a too-round bottom.
7. If you have toned legs and sexy shoulders, flaunt them in a string bikini or cutout one-piece swimsuit.

Tips & Warnings

• Nowadays, you can essentially create your own two-piece suit. Look for companies that offer a variety of mix-and-match, coordinated tops and bottoms.
• Wear your swimsuit with a long sleeveless blouse, print sarong or wraparound skirt if the thought of walking around in your swimsuit makes you uncomfortable.
• You generally can't return bathing suits. Check restrictions prior to purchase.